Sam & Sophie
I've always been one of those people who is more comfortable with dogs than humans, perhaps because I'm shy and it's easier to scratch a dog's belly than make conversation. Before we moved to Brussels, we shared our home with 300 pounds of dogs--Hana, a Lab mix who has made many appearances in my blogs; Sam, a Newfoundland mix; and Sophie, a Bouvier des Flandres. (Both went to excellent homes. Sam's new owner even built him his own swimming hole on her 80-acre tract of land in the northern Lower Peninsula.)
There's a lot of dogs out here, maybe because they fit right in to the active, outdoor Colorado lifestyle. Most are well-behaved and friendly. Even Wiley (as in Coyote), a lanky, tiger-striped reservation rescue, was all over me with kisses when he followed us home a couple of weeks ago after charging through his electronic fence. He took Hana's rebuffs at his youthful curiosity with equanimity.
After yesterday, though, I'm feeling very tentative about Colorado canines. On our afternoon walk, Hana was attacked by a huge Rottweiler. The dog, whose leash was held by a small girl, was in its owner's front yard as we passed by on our evening walk. When the dog saw Hana, he pulled over the little girl (fortunately, she was on the grass). She let go of his leash, and the dog charged Hana with fangs bared and grabbed her. It was like a horror movie; I couldn't get her away from him.
After what felt like five minutes, but was probably a lot less, the owner came out and collared the Rottweiler. He offered to pay the vet bill for any injuries, but didn't apologize. In shock, I said that I'd have to take Hana home to look for puncture wounds.
When we stopped back at the Rottweiler's house on the way to the vet--Hana had a deep puncture wound on her spine--the owner still didn't apologize, but went on and on about how this had never happened before, how his dog always got along with people and other dogs, blah, blah, blah.
I can never walk that route again. For the first time in my life, I'm scared of a dog.
4 comments:
OH MY GOSH!!!! I hope that Hana and you are doing better. I can't belive that happened...Give Hana hugs and Kisses from us and wish her a speedy recovery.
How ghastly! A traumatic experience for BOTH of you, I should think. Isn't there a law in CO about reporting such attacks? This time Hana, next time the little girl or one of her friends. I have VERY strong feelings against those unpredictable breeds who, without provocation, attack people or other chiens très gentils.
This man's lack of basic manners and concern suggests that he is not the responsible dog owner he needs to be with such a brute in his care. The Dog Whisperer would have a thing or two to tell him!
I hope you and Hana heal well from this experience. . .
Oh Kate, how awful! How are you both doing? Keep us posted. xxoo
Owners of vicious dogs are always "surprised" when they attack someone or something - that isn't an uncommon response. He had no business leaving that dog outside with only a small child to control it. I suggest you contact the police and make a complaint - it's only a matter of time before the dog attacks a human being. The owner's refusal to apologize shows he just doesn't get it - maybe he will get it when the police put him on notice.
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